This festive season, Birmingham Repertory Theatre is staging a thrilling new production that combines classic detective fiction with Christmas cheer. Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas offers audiences a unique blend of mystery, music, and mischievous humour.
A West End Mystery Unfolds
The plot thrusts the legendary detective into a chilling case set in London's West End. A serial killer is targeting actors, with each murder following the pattern of the beloved Christmas carol. As the body count rises according to the festive timetable, Holmes and his trusted companion Dr Watson must race against time to stop the murderer before the twelfth day arrives.
Written by and starring Humphrey Ker (known for Welcome to Wrexham) and his Penny Dreadfuls colleague David Reed, the production is presented by Birmingham Rep in association with Heartaches Ltd. The cast delivers an undeniably charming and entertaining performance, embracing the silliness with an enthusiasm that proves infectious for the audience.
Standout Performances and Characters
At the heart of the mystery is Humphrey Ker's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. This interpretation presents a less po-faced genius and more of a flamboyant, slightly chaotic detective. Ker's tall, wry presence and clear enjoyment in the role bring charisma and a fresh energy to the iconic character.
Alongside him, David Reed creates a consistently excellent Dr Watson. His performance is warm, steady, and brilliantly deadpan. Reed's impeccable comedic timing provides a lovely balance to the production, grounding even its wildest moments with a knowing wink. The chemistry between the two leads stands as one of the show's greatest strengths.
The supporting cast features several standout performances. John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade delivers a comic tour de force, filling the role with oddball energy and impeccable delivery that lifts every scene he appears in.
Arguably, the real scene-stealer is Helen Wilson as Athena Faversham, Holmes's rival detective. Wilson is magnetic from her first entrance, commanding the stage as a hookah-smoking, whip-smart presence. Her punchy delivery and sheer charisma make her character impossible to ignore.
Musical Numbers Elevate the Production
The production soars musically, featuring songs by the legendary duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The score represents one of the show's strongest elements, with catchy and polished musical numbers that give the talented cast ample opportunity to shine.
These moments bring real sparkle to the evening, elevating the production each time they arrive and adding an extra layer of entertainment to the Victorian mystery.
Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas wraps festive fun in an engaging whodunnit, carried by a talented cast who make the most of every moment. It stands as a very enjoyable seasonal treat and a great way to begin Christmas celebrations at The Rep.
The show promises a not-to-be-missed night out for theatre lovers and mystery fans alike, running throughout the festive period at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
